For those of you who think hammering it out at the gym for hours on end is still the only way to lose weight and get fit, I have some good news for you: there's an easier way. Consider HIIT workouts. They're made up of short rounds of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of recovery. Check out these five reasons why you should give HIIT workouts a try:

1. HIIT workouts save you time.

The great thing about HIIT programs is that they work best in small doses which makes it perfect for those of you who are short on time. Doing a HIIT workout allows you to get in and out of the gym at a quicker pace so you'll be able to complete all the other things you need to do. A HIIT workout is typically between 20 and 30 minutes, so the biggest question shouldn't be why should you do it, but how will you spend all your extra time?

2. HIIT workouts enhance your heart and lung capacity.

HIIT workouts are designed to push your heart rate for short bursts above 85 percent of your maximum heart rate, versus an endurance session where you would maintain a heart rate in the 60-80% of your maximum zone. Try replacing an hour of your current routine with two HIIT sessions each week and you'll notice the difference in your fitness and energy levels when exercising in just 6 weeks.

3. You’ll burn more fat with HIIT.

For many of us burning fat is one of the major reasons to go to the gym and research shows HIIT is one of the most effective ways to burn fat. In fact, simply by replacing two of your regular gym sessions with two HIIT sessions you will reduce your total body fat, not to mention your visceral fat stores (fat around your major organs, and if not kept at a healthy level can lead to diabetes and heart disease).

We all know exercise has been proven to put you in a better mood which is why HIIT should be your first choice of workout. A recent study found that happiness was higher when individuals participated in short-interval exercises. Not only will HIIT get the blood pumping but it will also release those feel good endorphins giving you a natural high and making you feel great.

If you want a leaner and stronger body, then add a few HIIT workouts to your training plan. It will maximize your results in minimum time.